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Using Import/Export to transfer mbox files from old computer, Suse 12.3 Thunderbird 31.3.0 to Suse Leap 42.1 and Thunderbird get error that file is not mbox.

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  • Last reply by Michael4

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I have Exported an mbox file in Thunderbird 31.3.0 on openSuse 12.3 to a new computer with Suse Leap 42.1 and Thunderbird. I have installed the Import/Export addon to the new Thunderbird. When I Import Mbox file I get a message saying it is not an mbox file. Is there anyway to repair or do whatever fix is needed to have the new Thunderbird recognize the mbox file as an mbox file.

I have Exported an mbox file in Thunderbird 31.3.0 on openSuse 12.3 to a new computer with Suse Leap 42.1 and Thunderbird. I have installed the Import/Export addon to the new Thunderbird. When I Import Mbox file I get a message saying it is not an mbox file. Is there anyway to repair or do whatever fix is needed to have the new Thunderbird recognize the mbox file as an mbox file.

All Replies (4)

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you exported the mbox file how? it would be most unusual for the import export tools to write a file it can not read.

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Matt, Thanks for the reply to my issue. I use the Export in the Import/Export tool in Thunderbird 31.3.0, I know the folder works there, and after copying it to the PC with Thunderbird 45.2.0 on it and use the Import mbox file I get the response, "Alec" seems not to be a mbox file or is a corrupted mbox file. I just think there has to be a way to get the files into the new PC without doing the transfer through gmail. I can not figure out what could be wrong with the file.

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is this a folder from your older machine, why not just copy the file from the filesystem and not use any sort of import and export?

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I have tried that. I have also created a new folder and put several messages into it on the old system. Copied that file to the new system. When I start up Thunderbird and then click on that file there is a rotating circle on the arrow which I have let run but when I click on the file again it there are no messages. If I check the files in .thunderbird the file is there and the created .msf file has been created. Opening the mbox file with an editor shows the messages are in the file. Any ideas are welcome. I will try just about anything to get the data into the new Thunderbird.